Futaba DIGITAL PROPORTIONAL RADIO CONTROL PCM 1024A PULSE CODE MODULATION SYSTEM
Thank you for purchasing a FUTABA digital proportional radio control set Please read this manual carefully before using your set. The last page of this manual is a three-part foldout. Refer to thisfoldout when reading the manual. TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 SET CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 RATINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 R E C E I V E R AND SERVOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Nicd B A T T E R Y CHARGING .
•FEATURES The PCM1024A was specially-developed to meet the needs of the serious and demanding R/C hobbyist. Numerous features make this system adaptable to a wide variety of complex radio control stunt and scale aircraft. This is the most advanced system available for FAI Precision Acrobatic (F3A) competition. The built-in microprocessor utilizing PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) makes this set very versatile and extremely noise and deadpoint resistant. Please read this manual carefully before using your set.
RECEIVER FP-R129DP • Extremely quick response, high resolution, and high reliability are achieved with a newlydeveloped, low voltage PCM decoder. • RF amplifier and monolithic IF amp designed for high sensitivity. •Dual conversion "1991" design with ultra narrow-band ceramic filter is immune to adjacent band interference (cross modulation interference, mutual modulation interference) and spark noise. • Fail Safe and Battery Fail Safe functions provide greater safety and reliability.
•SET CONTENTS FP-9VAP Model Transmitter FP-T9VAP x 1 Receiver FP-R129DPx 1 Servos FP-S9101 x 4 , o r S 5 1 0 1 x 4 Switch SSW-J x 1 Nicd Battery NR-4J x 1 Misc. Battery charger, extension cord, DSC cord, CHG adaptor, DSC-CHG cord, frequency flag, spare output arms, neck strap, screws •RATINGS Transmitter FP-T9VAP Charger PBC-8B (2) Operating System : Two-stick, 9 Channel, PCM Transmitting Frequency: 72MHz, 53MHz, 50MHz Modulation : FM- PCM/PPM selectable. Power Requirement : 9.
•RECEIVERS AND SERVOS Receiver, servo, switch, and battery connections Pitch Control Servo Spoiler Servo Pay careful attention to the polarity of the connectors. Flap Servo Receiver Crystal Lighter-shaded parts must be purchased separately.
The Channel order is: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. AIL ELV THR RUD GER FLP SPO PIT CH9 (AILERON) (ELEVATOR) (THROTTLE) (RUDDER) (GEAR) (FLAP) (SPOILER) (PROPELLER PITCH) (CHANNEL 9) PRECAUTIONS NOTE: A separate servo on each aileron will allow use of special transmitter control mixing and differentia/ functions. • Connect the receiver, servos, switch harness, etc. as shown in the figure. Extend the transmitter and receiver antennas to their full length.
BATTERY CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS (Transmitter and Receiver Nicd Batteries) Before operating your system, recharge the Nicd batteries as follows: •Connect the DIN connector of the FBC-8B (2) battery charger to the transmitter charging socket, and connect the 3P connector to the airborne NR-4J Nicd battery pack and plug the battery charger into a 120VAC outlet as shown in the figure. •The TX and RX LEDs light to show that batteries are being charged.
•BASIC TRANSMITTER T9VAP CONTROLS. Refer to the fold-out illustration in the back of the manual. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Aileron Elevator Throttle Rudder Landing Gear Switch Flap and Trim Control (CH6) Knob Spoiler (CH7) Knob Controls the spoilers as CH7. Non-slip Adjustable Control Sticks The length of the control sticks can be adjusted to suit operator preference. Part A Serves as Pitch Control High Side Trimmer in THR -> PIT mixing 9.
Mini Stand Use this fold-out Mini Stand as shown when laying the transmitter down. This makes operation easier and protects the transmitter and module. Opening Trimmer Panel and Key Cover Flip up with the tab NOTE: Flip up at both sides with your fingers. Do not try to open the panel at the center. The cover may be damaged. Transmitter Battery Pack Replacement Screen contrast adjustment Remove the battery box cover. Lift out the Nicd battery pack and disconnect the connector.
Monitor Lamps 4. ELE.D/R Elevator Dual Rate throw adjustment (This trimmer is ineffective if ELV D/R is not set to ACT) See D/R instructions page 5. ELE.AFR.UP Elevator up endpoint adjustment. 6. ELE.AFR.DN Elevator down endopoint adjustment. 7 . 6 - > 2MIX FLP. Airbrake Mixing Flap adjustment. 8 . 6 - > 2MIX ELE. Airbrake Mixing Elevator adjustment. (Trimmer No. 7 and 8 are ineffective if the Airbrake Mixing program is not set to ACT).
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES •OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. • When adjusting and setting the transmitter functions, connect the receiver and servos, and make the adjustments while observing the operation of the servos. • Alternatively, when studying the operation of transmitter functions, remove the transmitter RF module (to reduce battery drain). The effects of adjustments can be viewed on the SRV program screen (See page 48). • Set the power switch to the ON position.
Setting Instructions 1) Display the standard screen. 2) Reset the Total Timer by pressing the two program keys simultaneously. RES 3) Press the key. The TIMER program screen will appear on the display. The Up Timer will be displayed first. 4) Select the UP (Up), DN (Down), or RYT (Rhythmic) timer mode by pressing the , or program key. The example shown is for the Up Timer. 5) To set the-alarm time, switch to the TIMER SET display by pressing the SET key.
'ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES TACHO METER Tachometer The tachometer function is used to measure the speed on one to five-bladed propellers, etc. Speed (rpm) is measured up to a maximum of 50,000 rpm (in 20 rpm increments). Setting Method 1) Display the standard screen, and press the TAC program key. 2) Press program key to to select the number of blades. Ex: for a two-bladed propeller.
Back Up Warning Back Up Warning When the stored data is lost, the characters "BACK UP" blink on the screen and a buzzer sounds. When the power switch is turned on again, the error display disappears and all the settings return to the factory-set values. When a Back Up error occurs, the back-up lithium battery is probably dead, or there is trouble in the system. To locate the cause, call your Futaba service center. The back up lithium battery life depends on the usage state, but is about 5 years.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES REVERSE Servo Reversing This function is used to change the direction of servo operation in relation to control stick or lever movement. Setting Method 1) Select the EDIT screen, the select the REVERSE screen by pressing the REV program key. 2) Select the desired channel with the <- and -> cursor keys. 3) Select NORMAL or REVERSE operation by pressing the NOR or REV program key. In the display example, RUD (Rudder) is set to REVERSE.
Fail Safe and Hold General Instructions Fail Safe • F/S or HOLD can be selected for each channel (1 to 8). • Channels selected for HOLD will remain in HOLD until a normal signal resumes. Those selected for F/S will move to their pre-set positions after 1 second of signal interruption. • F/S SET simultaneously stores the desired Fail Safe position in the transmitter memory and sends it to the receiver.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL VOLUME • The ATV function is used to adjust servo travel limits. Servo travel can be adjusted independently in each direction from neutral. Adjustment from 30% to 110% of normal full travel (throw) is possible. • NOTE: When servo travel is changed by ATV, the limits of trim throw and the Dual Rate ON (Low Rate) limits are increased or reduced by the same percentage. • ATV limits are displayed by a bar graph and numbers.
ADJUSTABLE FUNCTION RATE AFR is a servo endpoint limiting function, similar to ATV with three exception: trol response without the necessity of going through the usual programming steps. Adjustments can even be made during flight (by an assistant). Maximum adjustment available on the sub trimmers is ±25% of the amount of travel set on the AFR program screen. Setting Method 1) The setting method for AFR is the same as for ATV (See page 16). 2) Select the EDIT screen and press the AFR program key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES DUAL RATE Dual Rate functions allow the modeler to switch servo travel limits in flight, thus varying the control sensitivity for different flight conditions or maneuvers. • Dual Rate functions are available on CH1 (Aileron), CH2 (Elevator), and CH4 (Rudder). • Dual Rate ON (Low Rate) limits can be adjusted from 30% to 100% of full throw. • If servo travel is reduced by ATV, the D/R ON throw will be 30% to 100% of the limit set by ATV (in D/R OFF).
Auto Dual Rate • Dual Rate functions may be switched ON and OFF automatically, according to the Throttle (CH3) control stick position. 1) Move the cursor to the "mode" position with the or cursor key. cursor key to select the 2) Use the or D/R function to be set to AUTO and press the program key. 3) Use the and cursor keys- to move the cursor to "pos". 4) Set the Throttle stick at the point you wish ON/OFF switching to occur, and press the program key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES Select the EDIT screen, and move the cursor to Line 2 with the Exponential Mixing Trim Parameter Model » or t cursor key. End EXPONENTIAL/VTR Exponential or VTR functions can be used to change the servo response curve from the normal linear operation. This can be very helpful if control response is either sluggish or too sensitive near the neutral position. Maximum servo deflection limits (set by ATV and/or A FR) remain the same.
TYPE 1 Positive With this type of curve, control response will be made more sensitive near neutral and less sensitive as the stick is deflected farther towards its extreme limits. TYPE 1 Negative With this type of curve, control response wilt be "softer" around neutral and increase as the stick is deflected farther. TYPE 2 Positive With this type of curve, response will be most sensitive at the LOW end of control stick travel, and decrease as the stick is moved toward HIGH.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES MIXING • Mixing allows two or more channels to be controlled by a single transmitter control stick or lever. This set features Programmable Mixing with four independent mixing circuits, along with special built-in mixing circuits. • NOTE: Only PROG-MIX Programmable Mixing can be used in the BASIC Parameter mode. (See PARAMETER, page 43). There are six types of mixing (including Prog. Mixing).
PROGRAMABLE MIX Programmable Mixing Four separate Programmable Mixing circuits allow almost infinite mixing combinations. The features of this program provide the modeler with unlimited versatility in trimming and control ing complex, high-performance models. • • • • Mixing of any two channels is possible. Four completely independent mixing circuits are available. Mixing amounts can be adjusted independently in either direction from neutral or offset point. The PROG-MIX ON/OFF Switch can be selected.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES Master and Slave Channel Selection In the first example shown, THR (Throttle) is set at "mas". The Master channel can be changed by pressing the program key. or The cursor can be moved to the "slv" position with the selected by pressing the + or - program key. or cursor key and the Slave channel Master Channel Setting Slave Channel Setting 1) Select the PROG-MIX screen as described on page 22. 2) Select the CHANNEL SETTING screen by pressing the SET program key.
Combination of Mixing Circuits Mixing Number Method Programmable mixing circuits can be combined with each other, or with built-in mixing circuits by two methods. 1) Setting a Mixing Circuit No. in the "mas" position (MX1, MX2, MX3, or MX4). 2) and setting. Depending upon which channels are selected on different mixing circuits, MX1, MX2, MX3, or MX4 can be displayed in the "mas" position.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES and is set. The cursor is then moved to the "mas" position and is set. MX3 is turned OFF (Set to ). This is also the equivalent of AIL -> ELV -> RUD mixing. •Combinations allow more efficient use of the number of mixing circuits. An example is shown below. When and are not used, three circuits are required for the mixing program shown below. Programable mixing is performed from Aileron to Elevator and Rudder, and from Elevator to Rudder.
Mixing ON/OFF Switch Selection Programmable Mixing can be designated as "always ON" or switched ON and OFF in flight by any four different switches. 1) Move the cursor to the "sw" position with the or cursor key. 2) Press the appropriate program key ( through ) for the switch selection desired. Switch assignments are designated by numbers as shown below: 1. Always ON 2. PROG. MIX Switch 3. RUD. D/R/CH9 Switch 4. 3-- 8 MIX Switch 5. ELEV.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES F3A Pattern Aircraft The figures below show multiple mixing functions in an F3A contest aircraft. Both built-in and Programmable mixing functions are used. Elevator Flap (CH6) mixing and Aileron Differential (CH1 and CH7) are used. In addition, the PROG-MIX function is used to allow the ailerons (CH1 and CH7) to act as flaps (flapperons) when ELV -> FLP mixing is ON. Setting Method flap Mixing (Built-in) 1) Elevator program key.
F3B R/C Gliders • Variable Wing Camber (Flaps and Flapperons) and Glide Path Control ("Butterfly" or "CROW" Mixing) • CH1 and CH6 are used for Aileron servos. CH7 is used for the inboard Flaps. (2 servos with Y harness or 1 servo with dual linkage.) Setting Method 1) Select the PROGRAMABLE MIX screen and press the SET program key. 2) Set the Master and Slave channels up as shown (See page 25): ->FLP->SPO THR->FLP-> THR->SPO ELV->SPO 3) 4) Return to the PROGRAMABLE MIX screen by pressing the END key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES SNAP ROLL Snap r o l l s can be performed using the Snap Switch. Four snap roll directions can be set: R/U (right up), R/D (right down), L/U (left up), and L/D (left down) snap. The snap r o l l direction is displayed on the screen. The throw of each servo (AIL, ELV, and RUD) is adjustable. 1. When the ENT (enter) key is pressed, the throw of each stick is set.
1. Snap roll not performed when LOCK. Snap roll performed when FREE. 5) Snap Roll direction can be selected during flight using the switches on the transmitter back. 6) AUTO Mode Setting: a) Move the cursor to the MANUAL/AUTO position with the cursor key. b) Set the retract Gear (CH5) Switch in the "gear down" position. Press the program key. "AUTO" and "LOCK" will be displayed.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES WING TYPE The WING TYPE program includes four built-in mixing circuits. 1. Aileron Differential 2. Flapperons 3. Elevon 4. V-Tail Servo directions and throws are fully-programmable. Setting Method Displaying the WING TYPE screen: 1) Select the EDIT screen and move the cursor to Line 2 with the cursor key, then press the MIX program key. 2) Press the program key. NOTE: WING TYPE mixing is not available in the BASIC mixing mode.
4) Set the throw of the AIL (CH1) servo with the , or program key. To change the direction of operation of the servo, use the program key. or 5) Move the cursor to the AIL-2ND (CH7) servo line with the cursor key. Set the servo direction and throw as in Step 4). 6) Return to the WING TYPE screen by pressing the program key. FLAPPERON NOTE: 1) When aileron differential is activated ( ), the CH7 transmitter knob is deactivated and w i l l not affect the CH7 servo position.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES When OFFSET is used. 0°. 45°, 60° flaps can be used. 4) Set the throw of the AIL-2ND (CH6) servo by movinq the cursor to the AIL-2ND line the or cursor key. Set the throw and direction in response to aileron stick movement as in Step 3). 5) Set the throw of the FLP-2ND (CH1) servo when the FLAP TRIM (CH6) Knob is turned by movinq the cursor to the FLP-2ND line with the cursor key. Throw is or adjusted with the , or 100 program key.
ELEVON Elevon mixing can be used with delta wing aircraft, flying wings, tail-less aircraft, flying discs, etc. CH1 and CH2 are used as the operating channels. Setting Method 1) Display the WING TYPE screen, then press the program key. 2) To activate mixing, press the key and to deactivate mixing, press the program key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES V-TAIL V-Tail mixing is used for certain sailplanes, scale model Beechcraft Bonanzas, and other aircraft with V-Tails (Ruddervators). ELV (CH2) and RUD (CH4) are used as the operating channels. Setting Method 1) Display the WING TYPE screen and press the program key. 2) To activate the V-Tail function, press the program key. Press the key to deactivate mixing.
AIR BRAKE Air-Brake is a pre-set, switch-activated mixing circuit that will deploy flaps (or flapperons), spoilers, and necessary elevator trim when the MIX switch is moved to the 6—7-> 2 position. In the AUTO mode, the Air-Brake can be activated by lowering the throttle stick below a certain (adjustable) point. Setting Method 1) Display the EDIT screen and move the cursor to Line 2 with the cursor key, then display the MIXING screen by pressing the 2) Press the program key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES 5) Set the servo throw at mixing by moving the cursor to the FLP, ELV, or SPO position with the cursor keys and setting the rate by pressing the , or 100 program key. Use the or key to change the servo operating direction when necessary. NOTE: The throw of the FLP and ELV servos can be conveniently changed by using the sub trimmers (6 -> 2MIX FLP. and 6 -> 2MIX ELE.).
PITCH CONTROL MIXING Variable pitch propellers allow more constant speed aerobatics by providing an airbrake effect (reverse pitch) and the ability to adjust the high pitch from the transmitter. CH3 is used for throttle and CH8 for pitch control. Setting Method 1) Select the EDIT screen and move the cursor to Line 2 with the cursor key, then display the MIXING screen by pressing the MIX program key. Move the cursor to the 2ND line with the cursor key. 2) Press the program key.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES Elevator-> Flap Mixing Elevator -> Flap coupling can be helpful in square-cornered loops. A small amount of flap deflection can make circular patterns smoother. CH2 and CH6 are used and the flaps are usually set to move DOWN with application of UP elevator. Setting Method 1) Select the EDIT screen and move the cursor to Line 2 with the cursor key, then display the MIXING screen by pressing the program key. Move the cursor to the 2ND line with the cursor key.
TRIM • Cross Trims Whether or not the Throttle (CH3) and Elevator (CH2) trim levers are "crossed" can be selected. • Trim Authority When Trim adjustments are too sensitive (Ex: One notch on the trim lever in either direction is too much) the Trim Rate (Authority) can be reduced, allowing finer adjustments. • Trim Memory Trim settings can be memorized by the computer, allowing the trim levers to be returned to neutral position.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES Trim Memory 1) After the model is "trimmed out" and flying well, land and select the TRIM screen. 2) Move the cursor to the TRIM-MEMORY line and press the program key. A message will be displayed asking if the trim data is to be renewed. Press the YES program key. All trim positions are then "memorized" by the computer. 3) All trim levers featuring Trim Memory can then be returned to their neutral positions.
PARAMETER Servo Test: Each servo is operated in linear fashion from neutral, to its maximum and minimum positions. The operation is repeated sequentially for Channels 1 through 8. Mixing Mode: In the BASIC mode, all mixing circuits except Programmable Mixing are deactivated. In the AERO mode, all circuits are useable. PCM/PPM: PCM or PPM encoding can be selected with this function. PPM encoding allows the transmitter to be used with standard FM receivers.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES MODEL SELECT Model Select Functions 1) Settings and data for up to 6 different models can be stored independently in the transmitter memory. 2) Any one of the 6 programs (models) can be selected for use when desired. 3) Each model can be given a name of up to 8 characters using the NAME function (See page 47). Setting Method 1) Select the EDIT screen and move the cursor cursor key, or to Line 2 with the and display the MODEL SELECT screen by pressing the program key.
yes and cursor keys and press the program key. A message asking if the selection is to be executed will be displayed. To execute the selection, press the [yes program key. When the yes program key is pressed, the model number and name at the top right corner of the screen change to show the new selection. In the example shown, the message asks if model No. 5 is to be selected. To select Model No. 5, the soft key is pressed. To remain with Model No. 1. the program key is pressed.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES •MODEL COPY FUNCTION •The Copy function allows the programmed data and trim positions for one model to be duplicated in their entirety on another program (model) number. As an example, let's suppose that Aircraft No. 1 is properly-trimmed and flys well, but you wish to experiment with a different mixing or trim setting. The Model No. 1 data can be copied onto the Model No. 2 program. You can then make the experimental trim modification on the Model No. 2 program only.
Move the cursor to Line 3 of the EDIT screen with the cursor key. NAME NOTE: CODE number 0000 is an open code and the user name can be changed. For example, if 1234 is set as your personal ID code number, it is memorized, together with your name, and the user name cannot be changed if the code number 1234 is not input first. A model name of up to 8 characters and a user name of up to 10 characters can be input. The user name has a security feature.
ADJUSTMENTS AND FLIGHT TECHNIQUES SERVO (Transmitter Test Mode) Transmitter control movements are shown on a bar graph representing servo movement for channels 1 through 8. The center of the graph is the neutral position. The bottom half indicates counterclockwise servo rotation and the top half represents clockwise rotation.
RESET The RESET function can be used to return programmed data to the original factory settings. Certain functions can be reset individually (Items 1—7 below), or all data can be reset in a single operation (Item 8). Functions to be Reset: 1. REV, F/S 5. MIX 2. ATV 6.TRM 3. AFR 7. PAR 4. D/R, EXP 8. ALL ALL resets Items 1 through 7 simultaneously. Setting Method 1) Select the EDIT screen and move the cursor to Line 3 with the cursor key, then press the program key. 2) Move the cursor to the Item No.
•SPLINED HORN The splined horns allow adjustment of the servo neutral position at the servo horn. To shift the holes center line to the right (clockwise) relative to baseline A, shift arm 2 to the position of arm 1 and set it to the position closest to baseline A. (Example) For a four arm horn, the angular shift per segment is 14.4°. The shift to the right is: 90° - ( 1 4 . 4 x 6 ) = 3.
•FP-S9101 EXPLODED VIEW Part Name No. 1 Upper case 2 Middle case 3 Bottom case 4 Ball bearing 5 Potentiometer 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 VR drive plate Coreless motor Motor pinion 1st gear 2nd gear 3rd gear Final gear 2nd shaft Intermediate shaft Spacer washer 0.3T Seal ring 0-ring Servo horn D Horn mounting screw S9101 AMP.S150 Lead wire packing 3PBG.WRB-300B Screw 0-ring Case mounting screw S9101 primed wiring board •FP-S5101 EXPLODED VIEW No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
•T9VHP SOFT MAP 1 This soft map shows which soft key changes which function key when a soft key (DATA INPUT key) was pressed. Use it when setting data.
•T9VAP TRANSMITTER CONTROLS Antenna Carrying bar 6 Flap knob/flap trimmer (CH6) 7 Spoiler (CH7) knob I11 Snap roll switch (10 Flap „, , .
Snap roll direction switch Snap roll direction switch Rf module Spare crystal holders Battery box cover Transmitter Nicad Battery
•T9VAP SOFT MAP 2 This portable soft map shows which soft keys change to which function keys when a soft key (DATA INPUT key) was pressed. Use it when setting data in the field.
To insure prompt service, please follow the instructions given below. 1. Charge the batteries for at least 18 hours prior to shipment. 2. Return the system only. Not your complete installation. Remove the servos from their mounts and remove the foam padding from the receiver. 3. Plugs or other modifications which interfere with factory test procedures will be returned to factory standard at your expense. 4.
Printed in Japan/9l0905BO
